Caliber comparison
.357 Magnum vs .44 Magnum
.357 Magnum or .44 Magnum? In short: According to the C.I.P., the .357 Magnum has the longer case (32.77 mm vs 32.64 mm). The C.I.P. allows the higher maximum pressure for the .357 Magnum (3,000 bar vs 2,800 bar). Muzzle energy of the factory loads in the catalog, as stated by the manufacturers: .357 Magnum 399–1,326 J; .44 Magnum 744–2,120 J. Bullet weights: .357 Magnum 110–180 gr; .44 Magnum 180–300 gr. In the gun catalog: .357 Magnum 45 models; .44 Magnum 20 models. Standards retrieved on ; catalog date at the bottom of the page.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | .357 Magnum | .44 Magnum |
|---|---|---|
| Ignition | Centerfire | Centerfire |
| Nominal size | 9.07 mm | 11.18 mm |
| C.I.P. designation | 357 Magnum | 44 Rem. Mag. |
| Maximum pressure Pmax (C.I.P.) | 3,000 bar | 2,800 bar |
| Maximum case length (C.I.P., L3) | 32.77 mm | 32.64 mm |
| Maximum overall length (C.I.P., L6) | 40.39 mm | 40.89 mm |
| Bullet diameter (C.I.P., G1) | 9.12 mm | 10.97 mm |
| Maximum average pressure, MAP (SAAMI, transducer) | 35,000 psi | 36,000 psi |
| Factory loads in the catalog (manufacturers) | 70 (14) | 47 (11) |
| Bullet weight (manufacturer data) | 110–180 gr (7.13–11.66 g) | 180–300 gr (11.66–19.5 g) |
| Muzzle velocity V0 (manufacturer data) | 302–491 m/s | 277–550 m/s |
| Muzzle energy E0 (manufacturer data) | 399–1,326 J | 744–2,120 J |
| of which lead-free | 3 | 2 |
| Models in the gun catalog | 45 | 20 |
| Shooting disciplines in Germany (by name / by caliber range) | 106 / 30 | 87 / 22 |
The C.I.P. and SAAMI each measure chamber pressure by their own method, so their figures are shown side by side and not converted from one to the other.
Factory loads: range of manufacturer figures in the catalog
Only current products are counted. Bullet weight, velocity and energy appear only where the manufacturer states them; they apply to the manufacturer’s test barrel.
.357 Magnum
- Bullet weight, lower end of range: 110 gr (7.13 g) (source: remington.com)
- Bullet weight, upper end of range: 180 gr (11.66 g) (source: remington.com)
- Muzzle energy, lower end of range: 399 J (source: speer.com)
- Muzzle energy, upper end of range: 1,326 J (source: federalpremium.com)
.44 Magnum
- Bullet weight, lower end of range: 180 gr (11.66 g) (source: federalpremium.com)
- Bullet weight, upper end of range: 300 gr (19.5 g) (source: prvipartizan.com)
- Muzzle energy, lower end of range: 744 J (source: geco-ammunition.com)
- Muzzle energy, upper end of range: 2,120 J (source: federalpremium.com)
Guns in the catalog
The catalog lists these models in both chamberings:
- Henry Big Boy
- Henry Mare's Leg
- Henry X Model
- Magnum Research Desert Eagle L5/L6
- Magnum Research Desert Eagle Mark XIX
- Marlin 1894
- Rossi R92
- Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistol
- Ruger Redhawk
- Winchester Model 1892
Shooting disciplines in Germany
Approved rulebooks of German shooting associations: .357 Magnum 106 by name, 30 by caliber range; .44 Magnum 87 by name, 22 by caliber range. In 92 disciplines, both cartridges are allowed.
A discipline for your gun type in an approved set of sport regulations does not yet mean you have a recognized need. An association your club belongs to must certify, under its sport regulations, that the gun is approved for a discipline and required for it; on top of that come twelve months of sport shooting in a club, the shooting activity record, acquisition spacing, the quota and the minimum age. The association certifies, the authority decides. The wording of the regulations governs.
What this comparison does not say
This comparison puts specifications side by side. Which cartridge may be fired in a particular gun is determined solely by the caliber marking on the barrel or by the gun manufacturer.
How a cartridge performs on target depends on bullet, load, barrel length and distance. This page does not rate which cartridge is “better”.
Sources and date
- C.I.P. data sheet 357 Magnum, dated 06/14/2006
- ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3 — Centerfire Pistol and Revolver Ammunition (Z299.3-2022), 357 Magnum: Velocity & Pressure Data, p. 13 (PDF p. 22)
- C.I.P. data sheet 44 Rem. Mag., dated 11/10/2020
- ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3 — Centerfire Pistol and Revolver Ammunition (Z299.3-2022), 44 Remington Magnum: Velocity & Pressure Data, p. 18 (PDF p. 27)
- Manufacturer data in the Waffenschrank ammunition catalog: federalpremium.com, geco-ammunition.com, prvipartizan.com, remington.com, speer.com
Standards retrieved on . Our own presentation of individual figures, not an official reproduction; the original document prevails. Waffenschrank is not affiliated with the C.I.P. or SAAMI.
Specifications come from the source cited alongside them; counts are based on our catalog as of the date stated. Not legal advice: what follows from these figures in a given country is decided by that country’s law. Waffenschrank is not affiliated with the manufacturers named.
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